Clark Howard Show Notes – July 22, 2010

Today on the Clark Howard Show

Higher Unemployment Numbers

There were 464,000 initial claims for unemployment filed last week, a jump of 37,000 claims which was much higher than expected. Earlier in the week, the government reported that the economy lost jobs in June (on a net basis) for the first time all year. The lackluster jobs market means wages will be lower and more people will be unemployed for far longer. The Senate passed an extension of unemployment benefits through November, though capped the benefits at 99 weeks total. Only those who are unemployed in states with a state unemployment rate of 8.5 percent or higher will qualify for the extension of benefits.

Existing Home Sales Collapse

Sales of existing homes fell 5.1 percent in June to an average annualized rate of 5.37 million, according to a new report from the National Association of Realtors. The Realtors reported that in the wake of the expiration of the tax credits, they expect sales of existing homes to continue to fall. Despite lower prices and record low mortgage rates (see below), the high unemployment rate and tighter lending standards are keeping many wanna-be home buyers out of the market.

Bernanke Says Future Uncertain, So Maintain Bush’s Tax Cuts

Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke was not his usual optimistic self while making his semiannual congressional testimony. “This is the worst labor market, the worst episode, since the Great Depression.”

“Not only for the sake of the unemployed and for the short-term strength of the economy but also for a long-term viablity in the international competitiveness, I think we need to be very seriously concerned,” he said.

Recent economic data points to slowing growth, fanning fears of a double-dip recession. Bernanke painted a bleak picture for the millions of jobless workers and said the central bank would be ready to act if necessary.

So if extending the estate tax cuts is going to pump money into the economy, we should already be seeing that. George Steinbrenner died and his estate is saving $500 million by not having to pay taxes. Are we seeing a $500 million pump into the economy?

Mortgage Rates Fall Again

Freddie Mac reported that mortgage interest rates hit another record low, with the average 30-year fixed rate loan at 4.56 percent. Zillow Mortgage Ticker reported that the average rate for a 30-year loan among its lenders was 4.37 percent. Mortgage brokers are quoting 3.85 percent and lower for 15-year loans.

Although I refinanced my loan last November at 4.25 percent for a 15-year fixed-rate loan, I’m thinking of doing it again. Should you be?

The ticket window is open for our latest event: How To Profit From Foreclosures and Other Real Estate Investments which will be held on October 2, 2010 at theRenaissance Waverly.

The EARLY BIRD ticket price is now available – but it won’t be here for long. Right now, you can buy a ticket at the early bird price of $35. There are no other discounts. This is the lowest price you’ll pay for a ticket to this event. After the early bird window closes, the price for these tickets will go up.

SPECIAL CLARK DISCOUNT OFF VIP TICKETS ONLY

Use the discount code clark and receive about 38 percent off the VIP ticket price. You get all the perks of a VIP but at a steep discount. Offer good only until Midnight, July 22, 2010.

Free Books and Ebooks from THINKGLINK

You pay the shipping, and we’ll send you as many copies of each book as you want. They’re a great gift! If you want to buy more than 20 copies, contact sam@thinkglink.com for a special deal.

Buy 3 Get 1 Free EBOOK deal. You buy 3 ebooks at the ThinkGlink.com store and receive 1 of those for FREE when you use the code freeebook

Paying more on your credit card?

Credit card companies are raising fees for folks who have excellent credit. Why? Because folks are charging less (frugality reigns!) and they’re carrying smaller balances. Also, folks who could no longer afford their credit card bills are getting tossed and their accounts are being closed. So, credit card companies are turning to the folks who can afford higher fees and charging them. The Washington Post has a good story about how credit card companies are raising fees on those with great credit histories and scores.

Six Items or Less? Could you wear only six items of clothing for a month?

Great story about not only SixItemsOrLess.com but also about another fashion challenge site, TheGreatAmericanApparelDiet.com. TGAAD has bloggers who are walking you through their daily challenges with cutting back on their clothing budget and figuring out how to make do with what they have. It’s inspiring and entertaining. I thought you’d like to take a look.

4 Comments

About the people going through mail, report to the USPS & get a P O Box. Thieves go through the mail to steal credit card bills to get the card #’s. Do not leave mail in you home box for pick up, drop it at the post office or mail it from work. If strangers show up asking questions, get a picture & verify ID, better yet call the cops.

Great suggestion. I would only say that the piece of paper they left had the same contact information for the owner’s mortgage company. If they were truly scam artists, they’d have a hard time coming up with that number (though it’s not unheard of).

About condo association demanding rent payment driectly from tenant. This is a known practice and doable….I believe you actually get a judgement/court order to do so..not sure but it happens all the time. Our condo does it as well.

N – Thanks for your comment. If a judgment/court order is required, I wouldn’t just hand over payment to the HOA. But it sounds like something weird is going on with the management company as well. Appreciate the time.